Direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum

ABSTRACT

A direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum. At least one piece of dead livestock infected with various diseases such as infectious diseases is heated for complete sterilization using high-pressure steam, and undergoes complete moisture removal to become dry by means of the vacuum, thereby allowing the dead livestock to be easily crushed. To this end, a carcass processing drum is directly heated by a heating means instead of a conventional steaming process, which provides steam from a boiler to the dead stock, to reduce a processing time and cost due to removal of the boiler. The vacuum can be converted into atmospheric pressure using a pressure valve so that the processed dead livestock can be discharged from the apparatus.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0083386 filed on Aug. 20, 2007 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to relates, in general, to a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum and, more particularly, to a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum, in which at least one piece of dead livestock infected with various diseases such as infectious diseases is heated for complete sterilization using high-pressure steam, and undergoes complete moisture removal to become dry by means of the vacuum, thereby allowing the dead livestock to be easily crushed, in which a method of directly heating a carcass processing drum though a heating means replaces a method of supplying and heating a carcass processing drum with steam though a boiler, thereby reducing a processing time and thus a processing cost due to the removal of the boiler, and in which the vacuum is converted into atmospheric pressure by a pressure valve so as to release the vacuum, thereby discharging the processed dead livestock.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, ranchers or farmers who breed livestock suffer from massive economic loss due to the death of livestock, which is infected by various diseases such as a contagious disease despite of periodic vaccination.

The death of livestock causes the ranchers or the farmers to suffer from not only a primary problem of the economic loss but also a secondary problem associated with processing dead livestock that still contains pathogenic agents such as a germ, a bacillus or a virus.

In the prior art, there is no choice but to bury the carcass since an optimal method or system for the treatment of the dead livestock has not been promoted. This, however, still has a potential risk of infecting other livestock or humans.

The carcass contaminates underground water when it is buried without a preventive measure, so that the ranchers or the farmers cannot use the contaminated underground water.

Particularly, foot-and-mouth disease of recent days is highly contagious to infect and kill thousands to tens of thousand of livestock. A large amount of time and effort and a large area of land are required to bury a large number of dead livestock. The area where the dead livestock is buried acts as a hotbed of disease and is unsuitable for cultivation or for other purposes, for example, of breeding other domestic animals because of the risk of recurrence. This is another loss to the ranchers or the farmers.

As an approach to overcome the above-mentioned problems, Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0203183, “Apparatus for Processing Dead Livestock,” filed and decided to maintain the registration.

In the prior art apparatus as disclosed in this document, the carcass is loaded into a steam drum and high pressure steam ranging from 140° C. to 150° C. is supplied to the steam drum to completely destroy pathogenic agents. Here, the process of the apparatus is performed to the extent that bones in respective parts of the carcass are broken into pieces in order to facilitate post treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing apparatus for processing dead livestock of the prior art is a system that completely sterilizes pathogenic agents by long term heating with steam produced from a boiler but does not directly heats a steam drum (i.e., a carcass processing drum). This apparatus requires a long processing time and continuous heating, thereby consuming a great deal of fuel and thus increasing costs. Further, the boiler has to be connected to the steam drum via a pipe, which is vulnerable to rupture in winter.

Moreover, even after the dead livestock is processed by the apparatus for processing dead livestock of the prior art, it still contains moisture in respective parts and thus is not easily crushed.

The present invention is directed to a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus, which can reduce a processing time by directly heating a carcass processing drum by a heating means, achieve high thermal efficiency and cost reduction compared to the use of the boiler of the prior art, and due to the omission of the pipe, which connects the boiler to the carcass processing drum in the prior art, fundamentally solve maintenance problems related with the freezing of the pipe.

The present invention is also directed to a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus, which can provide a water storage in the carcass processing drum, thereby avoiding supplying steam to the carcass processing drum from the outside to thereby reduce manufacturing and construction costs by omitting associated components, such as a condensed water outlet and a steam supply line, and also preventing water and air pollution caused by the drained condensed water.

The present invention is further directed to a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus, which can maintain the interior of the carcass processing drum in vacuum to dry the dead livestock so that the dried dead livestock can be more easily crushed than in a wet state, and then convert the vacuum into atmospheric pressure using a pressure valve so that the processed dead livestock can be easily discharged from the apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum. The apparatus includes a carcass processing drum having an openable cover, through which a carcass is loaded into the carcass processing drum; a water storage, which stores water in the carcass processing drum; a drum cover disposed outside the carcass processing drum to define a heating space with the carcass processing drum; means for heating the heating space; a pressure controller, which measures an internal pressure of the carcass processing drum and controls operation of the heating means according to the measured pressure; a pressure valve, which regulates the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum to atmospheric pressure; a timer, which counts an operating time of the heating means; and a time controller, which controls the operating time of the heating means based on a signal received from the timer when the operating time has lapsed so as to stop the operation of the heating means in the state in which the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum is raised by the operation of the heating means, so that an internal space of the carcass processing drum is vacuumized by temperature drop.

In the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum of the present invention, the timer counts a time for which an operation signal is sent to the pressure valve, and the time controller receives a signal generated from the timer when the time is passed, and sends the operation signal to the pressure valve so as to release the internal space of the carcass processing drum from the vacuumized state.

The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to the present invention has the following effects:

Firstly, dead livestock infected with pathogenic agents is loaded into the carcass processing drum and then is directly heated by high pressure steam so as to reduce a processing time until the pathogenic agents are completely destroyed. The processed dead livestock can undergo great volume reduction, prevent the recurrence of infection, be recycled as the raw material of a feed, facilitate post treatment, and eliminate a need for a large burial land for the dead livestock.

Secondly, excellent thermal efficiency and cost reduction can be achieved due to the removal of the boiler, and the risk of rupture of a pipe in winter can be fundamentally removed because the pipe is not required to connect the boiler to the carcass processing drum.

Thirdly, since water is previously stored in the carcass processing drum, it is not necessary to supply water from the outside or drain off condensed water. This also prevents water and air pollution caused by the drained condensed water, thereby preventing environmental pollution.

Fourthly, the inside of the carcass processing drum can be maintained in vacuum to significantly reduce the moisture content in the dead livestock so that the dried dead livestock can be crushed into pieces such as powder.

Further, the heating and discharging can be controlled automatically instead of being manually controlled to thereby improve user convenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a direct-heating type apparatus for processing carcass using vacuum according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view illustrating the direct-heating type apparatus for processing carcass using vacuum according to the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the direct-heating type apparatus for processing carcass using vacuum according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provide a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum, which includes a carcass processing drum into which a carcass is loaded; a water storage, which stores water inside the carcass processing drum; a drum cover disposed outside the carcass processing drum to define a heating space with the carcass processing drum; means for heating the heating space; a pressure controller, which measures an internal pressure of the carcass processing drum and controls operation of the heating means according to the measured pressure; a pressure valve, which regulates the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum to atmospheric pressure; a timer, which counts an operating time of the heating means; and a time controller, which controls the operating time of the heating means based on a signal received from the timer when the operating time has lapsed. The time controller stops the operation of the heating means in the state in which the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum is raised by the operation of the heating means, so that an internal space of the carcass processing drum is vacuumized by temperature drop.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more fully in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments thereof are shown, so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions by a man skilled in the art are not described in detail when such unnecessary detail would obscure the invention.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are a perspective view, a front elevation view and a side cross-sectional view illustrating a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to the present invention includes a carcass processing drum 100 into which the dead livestock is loaded, a water storage 110 formed in the carcass processing drum 100, a drum cover 120 installed outside the carcass processing drum 100, a heating means 130 (see FIG. 3) heating a heating space between the carcass processing drum 100 and the drum cover 120, a pressure controller 140 measuring pressure of the carcass processing drum 100 and controlling operation of the heating means 130, a pressure valve 200 regulating pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 to atmospheric pressure, a timer counting an operating time of the heating means, and a time controller 220 receiving a signal occurring when the operating time of the heating means 130 has lapsed and controlling the operating time of the heating means 130.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 1, the carcass processing drum 100 is provided with a cover 30 for opening and closing on one side thereof, so that the dead livestock is loaded into the carcass processing drum 100 by opening the cover 30, and the interior of the carcass processing drum 100 is airtightly closed by shutting the cover 30.

The water storage 110 provides a space so as to be able to store water in the carcass processing drum 100, and is previously supplied and stored with water before the dead livestock is loaded.

The drum cover 120 is installed outside the carcass processing drum 100, and thus the heating space is provided between the carcass processing drum 100 and the drum cover 120.

The heating means 130 (FIG. 3) includes an oil burner, an electric burner, a heater, or the like, is fixed to one side of the drum cover 120, and heats the heating space between the carcass processing drum 100 and the drum cover 120. Thereby, the heating means 130 directly heats the carcass processing drum 100. At this time, the heating means 130 heats the water stored in the water storage 110, so that high-pressure steam sterilizes and decomposes the dead livestock in the carcass processing drum 100.

Further, in order to discharge air burned by the heating means 130 to the outside, the drum cover 120 is provided with a flue 40 on an upper side thereof. Thus, the burned air is discharged to the outside through the flue.

The pressure controller 140 measures pressure of the carcass processing drum 100, and controls operation of the heating means 130 on the basis of the measured pressure. In other words, when the carcass processing drum 100 is directly heated by the heating means 130, the pressure is raised. Thus, in order to maintain the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 to a predetermined level, the pressure controller 140 measures the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100, and controls the operation of the heating means 130.

Meanwhile, in order to display the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 to the outside, a pressure gauge 230 may be installed outside the carcass processing drum 100.

The pressure valve 200 is installed on one side of the drum cover 120, and regulates low pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 to atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the pressure valve 200 employs a solenoid valve.

Meanwhile, the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to the present invention may further include a manual pressure valve 210, which is installed on one side of the drum cover 120 and manually regulates the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 to atmospheric pressure.

The manual pressure valve 210 is designed to be manually operated when the pressure valve 200 for raising the low pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 to the atmospheric pressure is not normally operated.

The timer (not shown) counts an operating time of the heating means 130 as well as a time for sending an operating signal or a stop signal to the pressure valve 200 in order to automatically operate the pressure valve 200 at a preset time.

Further, the timer can be adapted so that the operating time of the heating means 130 or the sending time of the operating signal or the stop signal to the pressure valve 200 is directly set by a user, and that the count time is set or operated by the control of the time controller 220. In this case, the time controller 220 can set the count time of the timer according to the pressure measured by the pressure controller 140.

The time controller 220 receives a signal, which occurs when the operating time of the heating means 130 has lapsed, from the timer, and thereby controls the operating time of the heating means 130. The time controller 220 stops the operation of the heating means 130 in the state in which the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 is raised by the operation of the heating means 130, so that the interior of the carcass processing drum 100 enters vacuum by means of temperature drop.

Further, the time controller 220 receives a signal, which occurs when the sending time has lapsed, from the timer in order to automatically operate the pressure valve 200 to automatically release the vacuum of the carcass processing drum 100, and then sends the operating signal or the stop signal to the pressure valve 200, so that the pressure valve 200 is operated by the operating signal so as to release the vacuum of the carcass processing drum 100 or is stopped by the stop signal.

Thus, the timer counts the operating time of the heating means 130 or the time for sending the operating signal or the stop signal to the pressure valve 200 by the control of the time controller 220. When the carcass processing drum 100 is raised at a predetermined temperature through the heating means 130, the time controller 220 receives a detection signal from a temperature sensor, which measures the temperature in the carcass processing drum 100 to output the detection signal, and then controls the operation of the heating means 130 such that the temperature in the carcass processing drum 100 is maintained at a preset temperature. In other words, when the temperature value received from the temperature sensor is higher than a preset temperature value, the time controller 220 sends the stop signal to the heating means 130, thereby stopping the operation of the heating means 130. In contrast, when the temperature value received from the temperature sensor is lower than a preset temperature value, the time controller 220 sends the operating signal to the heating means 130, thereby operating the heating means 130.

Further, the operating time of the heating means 130 can be set. When the operating time of the heating means 130 is counted and ended by the timer such that the heating means 130 can be operated for a preset time, the timer sends an end signal to the time controller 220, and then the time controller 220 controls the heating means 130 to stop heating. Thus, the pressure drop is caused by the temperature drop, so that the interior of the carcass processing drum 100 undergoes the vacuum.

This vacuum in the carcass processing drum 100 gets rid of moisture from the sterilized dead livestock to dry the dead livestock, so that the dried dead livestock can be easily crushed like powder.

At this time, when the timer outputs a lapse signal after counting a predetermined time, the time controller 220 sends the end signal to the pressure valve 200 such that the pressure valve 200 is operated. Thereby, the vacuum in the carcass processing drum 100 is rapidly released, so that the cover 30 can be easily opened.

The time controller 220 is provided on one side of the carcass processing drum 100, and is electrically connected with the heating means 130, the pressure valve 200, and the timer for overall control. In other words, the time controller 220 sets the operating time based on the count of the timer, thereby automatically controlling the operation of the heating means 130 without a worker needing to separately check the operating time.

Meanwhile, the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum may further include a drain valve 160, which drains the water stored in the water storage 110 from the carcass processing drum 100 to the outside along a drain line 240. The drain valve 160 drains the water remaining in the carcass processing drum 100 to the outside when the carcass processing work is completed.

Further, the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum may further include a safety valve 170, which maintains the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 at a preset pressure or less. The safety valve 170 stops the operation of the heating means 130 through the pressure controller 140, for instance, when the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 is abruptly raised by high-pressure steam, and simultaneously discharges the pressure to the outside when the pressure value set by the worker exceeds a predetermined value of, for instance, 5 kg/cm², thereby constantly maintains the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100.

Meanwhile, the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum may further include a heat-insulating cover 180 (see FIG. 3), which prevents a human body from being damaged by contact with the drum cover 120 heated by the continuous heating of the heating means 130 and is provided outside the drum cover 120 so as to insulate the heat. In detail, the drum cover 120 is heated over time by heat conduction during the heating of the heating means 130. At this time, when the worker touches the drum cover 120, he/she can be easily burned. Thus, the heat-insulating cover 180 not only prevents the human body from being damaged by contact with the drum cover 120 under high temperature, but also improves heat insulation of the drum cover 120.

Further, the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum may further include a punched water-storage cover 190, which is installed above the water storage 110 and prevents impurities from being introduced into the water storage 110. The punched water-storage cover 190 is for preventing various impurities separated from the dead livestock from falling into the water stored in the water storage 110 when the dead livestock is loaded into the carcass processing drum 100. Thus, only the clean water is heated so as to be able to further reduce a heating time.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view illustrating a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus as illustrated, the carcass processing drum 100 is provided with support brackets 12 on opposite sides of the inner circumference thereof. Guide rails 13 having the cross section of a triangle are installed on the respective support brackets 12. The carcass processing drum 100 is provided with an opening 14 on one side thereof so as to be able to take the dead livestock in or out.

The carcass processing drum 100 is provided with a rotary support 21 on the outer circumference thereof near the opening 14. The rotary support 21 is provided with a pivoting rod 20 having an “L” shape. The pivoting rod 20 is coupled with the cover 30 by a coupler 36 so as to close the opening 14 to maintain the interior of the carcass processing drum 100 in an airtight state. Thereby, the cover 30 can be opened and closed by the pivoting of the pivoting rod 20.

The cover 30 is engaged with a flange 16, which extends from the opening 14 in an outward direction. The cover 30 and the flange 16 are provided with a plurality of fixing slots 17 in a radial direction so as to be aligned with each other. The flange 16 is formed with hinge brackets (not shown) in the rear thereof. Fixing bolts are pivotably installed on the respective hinge brackets.

The fixing bolts are fitted into the fixing slots 17, and then are fastened by nuts, so that the interior of the carcass processing drum 100 can be maintained airtight. Meanwhile, although not shown, a carcass loading means may be designed in a manner so that rollers are installed thereunder so as to move into the carcass processing drum along the guide rails 13 installed on the carcass processing drum, and that an upper surface thereof is formed in a mesh shape such that water can be easily drained off, as disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0203183, entitled “Apparatus for Processing Dead Livestock.”

Further, as disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-0511444, entitled “Carcass Treater of Animal,” the carcass loading means may be designed in a manner so that rails are installed on a base frame supporting the carcass processing drum 100, and that dead livestock is loaded into the carcass processing drum 100 while moving along the rails in integration with the cover.

According to the present invention, the dead livestock is heated in the carcass processing drum 100 with high-pressure steam ranging from about 140° C. to about 150° C., so that the pathogenic agents are completely made free from the dead livestock. Further, the sterilized dead livestock is crushed at a touch, and is downsized in the state in which even various bones thereof including a skull are reduced to pulp.

As described above, the dead livestock, which has sterilized and downsized, is transferred to a crusher through a transferring means such as a transfer screw, and then is crushed and converted into feeds for other livestock. Thereby, the dead livestock, which has caused huge damage to a livestock farmer, can be changed into a source of economical wealth

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, a space is formed between the carcass processing drum 100 and the drum cover 120, and is heated by the heating means 130. This structure provides an advantage in that it takes less time to process the dead livestock due to the direct heating of water, compared to the related art having a problem in that it takes much time to process the dead livestock due to indirect supply of steam generated by a boiler.

Further, since no boiler is required, pipes connecting the boiler and the carcass processing drum are not required. Thus, it is possible to entirely avoid rupturing the pipes in winter. Since the water storage 110 is formed in the carcass processing drum 100, it is not necessary to supply the steam from the outside, so that an outlet for condensed water is not required.

Thus, the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to the present invention can reduce the processing time and cost of the dead livestock.

Now, the main components of the present invention will be described in detail. The pressure controller 140 measures the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, the heating means 130 heats air between the carcass processing drum 100 and the drum cover 120, so that the water of the water storage 110 in the carcass processing drum 100 is heated. Thus, when the water reaches at least 100° C., steam is generated to increase the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100.

When the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 reaches a preset pressure upper limit, the pressure controller 140 stops the operation of the heating means 130 such as a burner, thereby preventing the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 from being raised beyond the pressure upper limit. For example, if the pressure upper limit is set to 4 kg/cm², the operation of the heating means 130 is stopped when the measured value of the pressure controller 140 reaches 4 kg/cm².

The pressure controller 140 is electrically connected with the heating means 130. The heating means 130 is controlled by the pressure controller 140 as well as the time controller 220, and may be controlled by the timer as needed.

Meanwhile, although the operation of the heating means 130 is stopped, the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 may be further raised by the heat generated previously. In this case, the safety valve 170 is operated so as to be opened (see FIGS. 1 and 2), so that the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 is reduced.

When the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 reaches a pressure lower limit, the pressure controller 140 operates the heating means 130 again such that the carcass processing drum 100 is heated. For example, if the pressure lower limit is set to 2 kg/cm², the heating means 130 is operated when the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 reaches 2 kg/cm².

The pressure upper and lower limits of the pressure controller 140 can be set when the pressure controller 140 is manufactured or be reset to arbitrary values by manipulation after the pressure controller 140 is manufactured. This is well known in the related field, and so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The operating time of the heating means 130 is determined by the timer, a time of which is set to process the dead livestock by the user.

As described above, if the heating means 130 is not operated in the state in which the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 is raised, the temperature in the carcass processing drum 100 is lowered, and thus vapor pressure is reduced. Accordingly, the pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 is reduced, and thus leads to the vacuum.

The vacuum in the carcass processing drum 100 gets rid of the moisture from the dead livestock to dry the dead livestock. Thus, the dried dead livestock can be easily crushed. At this time, since the vacuum in the carcass processing drum 100 make it difficult to open the cover 30, such vacuum must be released in order to open the cover 30. To this end, the pressure valve 200 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is operated to convert the low pressure in the carcass processing drum 100 into atmospheric pressure.

Next, the processing performance of the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum according to the present invention will be described on the basis of the test results.

Embodiment 1 One Head of Frozen-Stored Dead Dairy Cattle

This test was carried out in order to check the processing performance of the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum, high temperature and high pressure according to a breed and a stored state. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was automatically set to two hours for a heating time and 4 kg/cm² for a maximum internal pressure value. An amount of water supplied to the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was 110 liters. The weight of the dead dairy cattle was 100 kg.

The test results were shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

TABLE 1 Change in performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum (h) (kg/cm²) (° C.) (° C.) (mmHg) 1 4.9 220 270 3 4.2 165 215 4 3.8 160 120 5 2.4 140 60 24 — 60 0 −220

TABLE 2 Processing performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel Fats Water 43 Kg 10 L 7 Kg 12 L

The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was heated for 50 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4 kg/cm², and the pressure controller was operated. After the test was completed, it could be found that the weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 57%, and that the interior of the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was maintained under vacuum.

Embodiment 2 One Frozen-Stored Dead Pig

The same test as in Embodiment 1 was carried out on the dead pig. The weight of the dead pig was 100 kg.

The test results were shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

TABLE 3 Change in performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum (h) (kg/cm²) (° C.) (° C.) (mmHg) 1 4.9 230 255 3 4.2 185 195 4 3.6 165 100 5 2.4 142 50 24 — 52 0 −210

TABLE 4 Processing performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel Fats Water 35 Kg 11 L 10 Kg 11 L

The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was heated for 54 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4 kg/cm², and the pressure controller was operated. After the test was completed, it could be found from the residual amount of the dead livestock that the weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 65%, and that the amount of oils and fats was increased compared to the dead dairy cattle of Embodiment 1.

Embodiment 3 One Head of Cold-Stored Dead Dairy Cattle

The same test as in Embodiment 1 was carried out on the dead dairy cattle. The weight of the dead dairy cattle was 100 kg.

The test results were shown in Tables 5 and 6 below.

TABLE 5 Change in performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum (h) (kg/cm²) (° C.) (° C.) (mmHg) 1 4.5 240 250 3 3.9 205 185 4 3.2 185 110 5 2.1 145 50 24 — 48 — −200

TABLE 6 Processing performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel Fats Water 52 Kg 9 L 6 Kg 10 L

The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was heated for 38 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4 kg/cm². It could be found from the residual amount of the dead livestock that the weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 48%, that the residual amount of the dead livestock was more than that of the frozen-stored dead livestock of Embodiment 1, and that the amount of consumed fuel was decreased compared to the dead dairy cattle of Embodiment 1.

Embodiment 4 One Cold-Stored Dead Pig

The same test as in Embodiment 1 was carried out on the dead pig. The weight of the dead pig was 100 kg.

The test results were shown in Tables 7 and 8 below.

TABLE 7 Change in performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum (h) (kg/cm²) (° C.) (° C.) (mmHg) 1 4.5 220 265 3 4.0 165 195 4 3.1 160 100 5 2.0 140 55 24 — 50 — −210

TABLE 8 Processing performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel Fats Water 41 Kg 9 L 11 Kg 10 L

The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was heated for 45 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4 kg/cm². It could be found from the residual amount of the dead livestock that the weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 59%.

Embodiment 5 Multiple Head of Cold-Stored Dead Dairy Cattle

This test was carried out with different processing capacity. The test was equal to that of Embodiment 1. The total weight of the dead dairy cattle was 300 kg.

The test results were shown in Tables 9 and 10 below.

TABLE 9 Change in performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum (h) (kg/cm²) (° C.) (° C.) (mmHg) 1 2.2 180 265 2 3.6 190 200 3 2.4 160 140 5 2.2 150 50 24 — 50 0 −200

TABLE 10 Processing performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel Fats Water 165 Kg 11 L 28 Kg 15 L

The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was heated for 100 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4 kg/cm², and the pressure controller was operated. It could be found from the residual amount of the dead livestock that the weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 45%.

Embodiment 6 Multiple Cold-Stored Dead Pigs

This test was carried out with different processing capacity. The test was equal to that of Embodiment 1. The total weight of the dead pigs was 300 kg.

The test results were shown in Tables 11 and 12 below.

TABLE 11 Change in performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum (h) (kg/cm²) (° C.) (° C.) (mmHg) 1 2.0 180 265 2 3.2 180 190 3 2.4 160 120 5 2.0 160 55 24 — 45 0 −200

TABLE 12 Processing performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel Fats Water 140 Kg 12 L 31 Kg 16 L

The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was heated for 80 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4 kg/cm², and the pressure controller was operated. It could be found from the residual amount of the dead livestock that the weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 54%.

Embodiment 7 Multiple Pieces of Cold-Stored Dead Poultry (e.g Cocks)

This test was carried out with different processing capacity. The test was equal to that of Embodiment 1. The total weight of the dead pigs was 200 kg.

The test results were shown in Tables 13 and 14 below.

TABLE 13 Change in performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to heating time Internal External Degree of Time Pressure Temp. Flue Temp. Internal Vacuum (h). (kg/cm²) (° C.) (° C.) (mmHg) 1 2.3 185 245 2 3.4 195 185 3 2.2 160 130 5 2.0 155 55 24 — 45 0 −200

TABLE 14 Processing performance of direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus Amount of Amount of Residual Amount of Amount of Oils and Consumed Dead Livestock Consumed Fuel Fats Water 160 Kg 10 L 5 Kg 12 L

The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus was heated for 90 minutes, and then reached the pressure of 4 kg/cm², and the pressure controller was operated. It could be found from the residual amount of the dead livestock that the weight of the dead livestock was reduced by 20%.

It can be seen from Embodiments that the processing time, which it takes to load at least one piece of dead livestock infected with the pathogenic agents into the carcass processing drum, to directly heat it with the high-pressure steam, and to make it free from the pathogenic agents, is reduced, and that the volume of the dead livestock is considerably reduced by the vacuum.

As set forth above, in the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus using vacuum of the present invention, the dead livestock infected with the pathogenic agents is loaded into the carcass processing drum and then is directly heated by the high-pressure steam so as to reduce the processing time until the pathogenic agents are completely destroyed. The processed dead livestock can undergo great volume reduction, prevent the recurrence of infection, be recycled as the raw material of a feed, facilitate post treatment, and eliminate a need for a large burial land for the dead livestock.

Further, since no boiler is required, the processing cost can be reduced, and the pipes connecting the boiler and the carcass processing drum are not required, which completely prevents the pipes from being ruptured in winter.

Conventionally, the condensed water collected in the carcass processing drum must be discharged because the steam is supplied from the outside. However, according to the present invention, since the water is previously stored in the carcass processing drum, it is not necessary to supply the water from the outside. Furthermore, it is not necessary to discharge the condensed water, and thus water pollution caused by the discharge of the condensed water and air pollution cased by odor are prevented, which makes it possible to cope with the environmental pollution.

Further, the direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus can maintain the vacuum, so that it can remarkably reduce the content of moisture of the dead livestock. Further, the dead livestock is kept dry, and thus is crushed like powder to undergo volume reduction. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus can automatically control the heating and draining without manual manipulation, so that it can provide the user with convenient management.

As set forth above, it is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can make substitutions, change or modify the embodiments into various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.

The scope of the present invention is not defined by the detailed description as set forth above but by the accompanying claims of the invention. It should also be understood that all alterations or modifications derived from the definitions and scopes of the claims and their equivalents fall within the scope of the invention. 

1. A direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus comprising: a carcass processing drum having an openable cover, through which a carcass is loaded into the carcass processing drum; a water storage, which stores water in the carcass processing drum; a drum cover disposed outside the carcass processing drum to define a heating space with the carcass processing drum; means for heating the heating space; a pressure controller, which measures an internal pressure of the carcass processing drum and controls operation of the heating means according to the measured pressure; a pressure valve, which regulates the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum to atmospheric pressure; a timer, which counts an operating time of the heating means; and a time controller, which controls the operating time of the heating means based on a signal received from the timer when the operating time has lapsed so as to stop the operation of the heating means in a state where the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum is raised by the operation of the heating means, so that an internal space of the carcass processing drum is vacuumized by temperature drop, wherein the timer counts a time for which an operation signal is sent to the pressure valve, and wherein the time controller receives a signal generated from the timer when the time is passed, and sends the operation signal to the pressure valve so as to release the internal space of the carcass processing drum from the vacuumized state.
 2. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a manual pressure valve, which is disposed on the drum cover so as to manually regulate the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum.
 3. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drain valve, which drains water, stored in the water storage, out of the carcass processing drum.
 4. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a safety valve, which maintains the internal pressure of the carcass processing drum at a preset pressure or less.
 5. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heat-insulating cover disposed outside the drum cover so as to prevent direct touch with the drum cover and to enable the drum cover to maintain heat.
 6. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a water storage cover disposed on a top portion of the water storage to prevent impurities from entering the water storage.
 7. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor, which outputs a detection signal by measuring an internal temperature of the carcass processing drum, wherein the time controller controls the operation of the heating means based on the detection signal received from the temperature sensor, so that the internal temperature of the carcass processing drum remains at a predetermined value.
 8. The direct-heating type carcass processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure valve comprises a solenoid valve. 